Business Support Officer

Job summary and location Business Support Officer

This is a short-term 3-6 month position with in the Council’s Property department to support with identifying and entering outstanding lease information into the Council’s property asset management system to support with asset accounting. The Estates Terrier Officer works within Somerset Council’s Property service, reporting to the Property Records Manager. The role maintains the Council’s property terrier, land ownership records and associated mapping information. It is mainly office-based because some enquiries require research using historic paper files and maps. There may be occasional need to travel to other Council offices to access deed information.

To maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Council’s land and property interests within its property asset management and GIS mapping systems. The post supports effective estate management, informed decision-making, and statutory compliance.

• Maintain the digital property terrier, including records of ownership, leases, licences, easements and other legal interests.
• Review deeds, conveyances, leases, plans and related documents, accurately recording relevant legal, property and spatial information.
• Maintain key dates for lease renewals, break options, rent reviews and other critical estate activity.
• Use GIS and mapping systems to create and update site plans, ownership boundaries and map overlays.
• Liaise with Legal Services, Planning, Highways, Estates colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure property information is complete and consistent.

• Ensure property and terrier records are accurate, current, traceable and suitable for use as a reliable corporate information source.
• Manage allocated work independently, meet deadlines and know when to seek advice or escalate complex matters.
• Handle information and enquiries professionally while promoting the Council’s equality, diversity, health, safety and organisational values.

• Experience of updating and maintaining records in a computerised database system.
• Working knowledge of property and estates documentation, with the ability to interpret legal and spatial information accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work systematically, independently and to deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Confident use of Microsoft Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and Excel.
• A-levels, a relevant vocational qualification or equivalent knowledge gained through experience.
• Ability to speak fluent English, as required by Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.

• Experience in estates, land management or property administration within a local authority or similar organisation.
• Experience of MapInfo or other GIS and mapping software in a working environment.
• Familiarity with local government property portfolios and public-sector estate management.
• Experience of using HM Land Registry and Ordnance Survey datasets.
• A relevant qualification in land administration, surveying, GIS or property management.
• Problem-solving skills, initiative and the ability to develop practical solutions while recognising when further guidance is needed.
• A positive, approachable manner and a willingness to contribute to team development.